Donating blood saves lives. Human lives, everyone knows that, but also animal lives, which are much less known. Did you know that just like you, your cats and dogs were invited to donate blood? Here is everything he says about this gesture of solidarity and too little known.
In the event of an accident or illness (accidental or surgical bleeding, bite, anemia, poisoning with anticoagulants), a dog or cat may require a blood transfusion. It is still imperative that your vet has prompt access to blood products in adequate amounts. Hence the need to resort to pet blood donation.
To be eligible for this donation, a dog or cat must meet a number of criteria:
- be in good health
- Stay on top of your vaccines
- Being between two and eight years old
- Weigh a minimum weight (5 kg for a cat, 25 kg for a dog).
- get wormed
- Get regular flea and tick treatment
The sample is taken under anesthesia at the level of the jugular vein or at the level of a vein of a lower limb, the Animal First Aid site reports. The gesture requires mowing and preliminary disinfection of the affected area. Duration of the operation? Between 20 and 30 minutes.
After a donation Agria (animal insurance) recommends a snack and 48 hours of rest. Each animal can repeat the operation up to four times a year.
The gesture is therefore not insurmountable and above all responds to a major challenge. Agria explains:
“As in human medicine, blood transfusion is an irreplaceable remedy for treating and saving the lives of many cats and dogs in France. Especially in veterinary medicine, blood transfusion has developed in recent years. An action often performed in an emergency situation where blood needs to be found quickly. Blood banks are thus equipped to prepare and store blood products in sufficient quantities to immediately meet the needs of sick cats and dogs.”
As you have understood, blood donation is not reserved for humans.